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It Seems Like White Watches Are The Next Statement Piece

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Many of us were probably introduced to the Daniel Wellington brand through their highly recognisable multi-coloured strap watches. Almost every hipster and surely, one or two of your friends and even yourself, presumably owns one too. It’s understandable, given that the NATO straps come in a variety of colourways that goes with the navy blue hue, which can give off nautical or Hampton vibes, depending on your outfit. It’s versatile and it’s pretty. We can’t deny.
However, it can get just a lil awkward when the person sitting opposite of you in the train has the exact same watch as you. But fret not, because that’s not the only design the brand has to offer. Have you seen their leather strap ones from their Classic Petite range? Well, they are equally elegant and feminine, with slim straps that create an illusion of slender-looking arms.
With Kendall Jenner as the face of the Classic Petite line, Daniel Wellington has unveiled their latest addition to join the lineup – the Classic Petite Bondi collection.
Side note: it’s just so unfair that Jenner makes everything look good.

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The Bondi collection features minimalistic timepieces with a stark white leather strap and an eggshell white dial. Given that white has been this season’s colour for shoes, with the white booties and all, it comes as no surprise that watches go down the same path.
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These time-keepers houses a 32mm dial in an ultra-thin (6mm) case and are made from stainless steel, with either rose gold or silver detailing. We know, it’s a tough choice. To help you make a decision, choose silver to go with your monochromatic all-white look, and go for rose gold if you are looking for a feminine touch to your outfit. And of course, Daniel Wellington watches are known to be versatile with their interchangeable straps, and you get to choose from two mesh straps and six classy leather straps (Bristol, Durham, St Mawes, Sheffield, York, and Reading), complimentary with every watch purchased. With multiple options to choose from, there’s really no excuse to not get one.
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Classic Petite Bondi Collection, from $239, available now in all official Daniel Wellington stores located at Raffles City, Suntec City, Vivo City, Tampines One, TANGS at Tangs Plaza and online at danielwellington.com and cocomi.com.
Header image: Daniel Wellington

Our Guide On Where To Eat, Sleep And Visit In New York City

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New York, New York . . . a city of dreams and wonders . . . there’s really so much to see and do, and even more to eat. On this second trip back to the big apple, I put on 2kg. Was it worth it? Most definitely.
Photos shot on a Huawei P10 Plus. By Adele Chan.

Getting Around :

  • The New York Subway brings you to most places in Manhattan and Brooklyn. But note that it can get (very) confusing at times, especially on weekends. Look out for notices that announce which trains are not in operation.
  • Sometimes it makes more sense to order an Uber, especially when there’s an Uber promotion going on. If you’re travelling in a group of three or four, the cost of an Uber might actually be cheaper than your collective Subway fares.

Weather :

  • There are four seasons. I suggest you avoid winter (December to February) because it’s very cold, and very windy. Totally unpleasant!
  • Go during Spring (March to May), which is still cool but not biting.

Currency :

  • US$1 = SG$1.39
  • Bring along your credit cards for shopping and dining out! If you’re going to spend, might as well get miles while you’re at it.

Eat & Do
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  1. A cosy apartment space in Brooklyn.
  2. Sunrise on a cold, Spring morning.

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  1. The queue for Cookie DO New York is 1 hour 45 mins.
  2. Filming for Gotham in Chinatown!!
  3. Everywhere I go, I must find Muji.
  4. The queue for Supreme is real.

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  1. “Shot on iPhone 7” shot on Huawei P10 Plus.
  2. The very chic dop dop salon where I cut my hair with James. Look for James.
  3. Taking an Uber across Brooklyn Bridge.
  4. I feel like chicken tonight, at Whole Foods.

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  1. The Empire State Building.
  2. Inside Mulberry in New York.
  3. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art: The temple of Dendur, which was donated to the United States by Egypt.
  4. Protestors outside the Canada Goose store.

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  1. The iconic Flatiron building.
  2. Inside the Oculus. Much better than Penn Station.
  3. Still my favourite pizza in the world: Spicy Soppressata at Emporio.
  4. We queued for Magnolia. Yes we did.

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  1. Times Square at night.
  2. At the Top of The Rock, an observatory on top of Rockefeller Center.
  3. The best lobster rolls in the world are found at Chelsea Market.
  4. An art installation at MOMA.

Where to Stay

INSTAGRAMMABLE:

ARLO NOMAD

This boutique hotel is situated near some amazing attractions, like the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, and Madison Square Park where the Flatiron Building is close to. The highlight of this property is arguably the rooftop, which has impressive and close proximity views of some of New York’s grittiest streets and buildings. There’s even a glass floor which looks down all the way to the ground.   

ROOM:
Rooms are small but cosy. Everything is within easy reach; like the sink — in my room, it was along the corridor that leads to the bed. But as compact as the living space is, it is well designed so you don’t feel claustrophobic at all. The floor to ceiling glass windows also ensure plenty of natural light, and a sense of openness to the city.

BOOK WITH:
Book your stay at Arlo Nomad with Mr & Mrs Smith, a travel club that guarantees the best price available for any of their listed properties. All hotels and resorts are curated by the Mr & Mrs Smith team, each one anonymously reviewed, and then recommended to members. Membership is free, and includes 24-hour support for your booking. With Arlo Nomad, you also get a lovely welcome drink on arrival.

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  1. Everyone’s first instinct is to whip out their phones to take pictures.
  2. Incredible views from the rooftop, where we also conducted our photoshoot for this issue.
  3. The “library” space is so instagrammable.
  4. Spaces within the hotel are well designed with good structure and lighting in mind.
  5. This reinforced glass floor allows you to look straight down into the streets below. Wear pants.
  6. Amenities in the room include a hair dryer and even a clothes steamer!
  7. Cosy and functional rooms at Arlo Nomad.
ARLO NOMAD
Address: 11 East 31st Street, New York, NY 10016
Tel: +1 212-806-7000
Email: hello@arlohotels.com
Website: arlohotels.com/new-york/nomad
Rates: from SG$223 per night

HEART OF MANHATTAN:

THE QUIN

There are 208 hotel guest rooms and suites at The Quin, each furnished with hand-selected sustainable materials, Nespresso machines, and Fresh toiletries! The property is just a stone’s throw from the iconic shopping stretch of 5th Avenue, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Rockefeller Center. If you’re in New York for the first time, this is a good location to stay at because it really is in the heart of Manhattan.

ROOM:
They’ve managed to make this place feel like home. The rooms are not pretentious, but like the rest of the hotel, are full of character. There’s also a sense of art and music ingrained throughout the entire property, which lends a sense of excitement from the minute you step in.    

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  1. The lobby.
  2. The lobby.
  3. There’s music and art throughout the hotel.
  4. Comfortable beds in comfortable rooms.
  5. Of course we had waffles for breakfast!
  6. Dining at The Wayfarer.
  7. Guitar art.
  8. Plenty of guitars adorn the walls of the hotel.
THE QUIN
Address: 101 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Tel: +1 212-245-7846
Email: info@theQuinhotel.com
Website: thequinhotel.com
Rates: from US$263 per night

VIEWS FROM ABOVE:

MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK

Every Mandarin Oriental I’ve visited around the world has one thing in common: spectacular views. The New York branch is no exception; the rooms start high up on the 38th floor, and you can see all the way to Central Park depending on which way your room is facing. The hotel is also walking distance from Central Park, The Met, American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs!), MOMA, and Times Square. Yes, expect to pay a premium for this location.

ROOM:
The rooms are incredibly spacious, and come fully equipped with every hotel amenity that you can imagine. What can I say… you definitely won’t be uncomfortable at this place. Also, the views from the floor to ceiling glass windows are magnificent. Oh, did we say that already? Yes, they are magnificent.

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  1. Step out of the hotel and you’re immediately greeted by malls and the Subway.
  2. The view from my room. (Yes, that thing sticking out is Trump International Hotel and Tower.
  3. Bacon and eggs done right.
  4. The hotel’s restaurant, Asiate, has an impressive collection of wine.
  5. Having wine for dinner at Asiate.
  6. Another day, another bacon and eggs.
  7. Spacious rooms in the Mandarin Oriental.
  8. The lounge is also popular for more of the same magnificent views.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK
Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
Tel: +1 212-805-8800
Email: monyc-reservations@mohg.com
Website: mandarinoriental.com/newyork
Rates: from US$530 per night

The Summer Bag Trend That Works Surprisingly Well For Your Next Supermarket Run

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We don’t know how you feel, but bags that can double up for when we happen to be doing a grocery run (yes, NTUC member here), they’re great! And while we’re usually armed with a trusty canvas tote bag, the kind that can store strange items that don’t fit into your regular purse, we’re like to propose an upgrade: mesh bags and woven basket bags, the stylish kind, that happen to be trending this summer.

Yeah, maybe beach bags for summer’s akin to florals for Spring — groundbreaking — but we’re going beyond the oversized straw bag see. Think round wicker bags, baskets that look like you’re going on a perpetual picnic, and woven pieces embellished with pom poms and colourful tassels, for true #wanderlust goals whether you’re on vacation in Santorini or not, and paired with equally sleek dressing. Even luxury brands like Prada fall in line too, so you know what, here’s a round-up of the best of them.

Netted Bags

stylenanda net tote bag copy tspoflove cece fruit market tote $15.90 stylenanda see through woven tote bag
Stylenanda Net Tote Bag, US$11 ; The Cece Fruit Market Tote, $15.90 ; Stylenanda See-Through Woven Tote Bag, US$35

We believe that these netted bags were meant to actually store your groceries, whether it’s fruits or cartons or baguettes due to its stretchy yet sturdy design, but somehow, the fashion set got wind of it and… they’re okay for all occasions now! Best for the weekends though, as well as that brunch date you’ve waited all week to Instagram. The key thing is to keep your attire relaxed, with slides or light wash jeans, all to match its slouchy design.

And as if to give us further farmer’s market/supermarket inspiration, they’re also usually styled with actual fruits or vegetables, which look exceptionally cute thanks to the see-through designs. For all other daily necessities, including your phone and makeup items, we suggest putting them in small pouches so they won’t fall through the holes — all the better to show off your cute pouch collection though!

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Bambi Mini Beaded Bag, $45

This adorable number, with wooden beads and a bamboo handle, immediately adds to the quality of the bag, and you’ll be tempted to pair it with this seaon’s embroidery tops or frilly summer dresses.

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H&M Mesh Shopper, $79.90

As for this H&M shopper, it’s part of the Conscious collection — which justifies the relatively high price from this affordable fashion retailer — and is made from recycled polyester that’s first made into skinny string mesh, then woven together into this light blue piece. There’s also a light pink version if you prefer a more girly shade of pastel.

Round Bags

etsy round wicker bag madewell indigo&lavender™ small lucena shopper basket $81.40
Etna Round Wicker Bag, $93 ; Stylenanda Bead and Loop Closure Woven Bag, US$47

There’s something quaint about the round wicker bag, probably due to the way it opens up — rather than a zip opening, these usually come with rustic loop closures, while the bag functions like an actual basket with a lid. The textured surface definitely helps it stand out too. Etsy is a treasure trove for the crafty design, which makes sense since a lot of handiwork goes into the radial patterns of these wicker and rope bags, which often employ traditional techniques as well. The Indigo&Leather bag, for instance, is handwoven in Marrakech from sustainable palm leaves.

J.Crew Circle Straw Crossbody Bag US$235.90 stylenanda bead and loop closure woven bag
J.Crew Circle Straw Crossbody Bag, $235.90 ; Indigo&Lavender Small Lucena Shopper Basket, $81.40

We see these working exceptionally well with wide-legged pants, a crisp top or highly structured dress, which all add a nice contrast to the quirky designs of there natural fibre goods; plus, those give a totally different vibe from a more conventional summer frock. Some of the designs come with leather straps, transforming it into a simple crossbody design, while others are meant to be slung on your arm.

Basket Bags

net-a-porter prada midollino small leather-trimmed canvas and wicker tote US$1,455 stylenanda structured self tie top woven bag
Prada Midollino Large Leather-Trimmed Canvas and Wicker Tote, US$1,565 ; Stylenanda Structured Self-Tie Top Woven Bag, US$65

Other than the clear picnic references, these basket totes are also a nod to 70s fashion, particularly stylish French women strutting along the Parisian streets. We see why — there’s definitely a laidback quality here that suits the effortless vibe of the romantic city. Unlike a picnic basket though, you probably won’t want to be stuffing these with too many items, even though they’re lined with fabric. Prada gives us an air of total sophistication, with a light-coloured wicker and white leather details on its signature luggage tag and logo plague, while the Stylenanda design feels more suited for cute pinafore dressing.

tspoflove the lolita wicker bag soeurs cane round basket soeurs bamboo clutch bag
The Lolita – Wicker Bag, $135 ; Cane Round Basket, $55.50 ; Bamboo Clutch Bag, $43.50

Of course, taking them along for an actual picnic makes a lot of sense too, or bust it out the next time you’re by the pool as the baskets are roomy enough for your beach essentials. The Lolita comes in a unique oval shape, with a dome-shaped top and patchwork front, while the bamboo clutch is versatile enough for a summer pool party and a glamorous evening event.

Embellished Bags

skinnydip_london_mini_laureli_raffia_cross_body_bag_web net-a-porter nannacay baby roge pom pom embellished woven raffia tote topshop polly straw bucket bag $56.90
Skinnydip London Mini Laureli Raffia Crossbody Bag, $73.27 ; Nannacay Baby Roge Pompom-Embellished Woven Raffia Tote, US$169 ; Topshop POLLY Straw Bucket Bag, $56.90

Here’s where things get really exciting — if you’re already bored of the natural browns and beiges, consider adding a whole bunch of tassels and pompoms and embroidery to the designs, the brighter the better. Skinnydip London knows how it’s done so they sprung for rainbow tassels, while Topshop keeps it simple with black pompoms. As for Nannacay, the travel-inspired brand that’s loved by style influencers all over, they’ve combined craft — in the form of baskets woven by local artisans from durable raffia — with playfulness, with bunches of fuzzy oversized pompoms in summery shades.

net-a-porter sophie anderson serenella pom pom embellished leather trimmed woven raffia tote US$278 asos pimkie pom pom straw beach bag
Sophie Anderson Serenella Pompom-Embellished Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote, US$278 ; Pimkie Pom Pom Straw Beach Bag, $47.39

The same spirit of craftsmanship lives on in Sophia Anderson’s vibrant designs, made of handwoven raffia by the WAYUU people of Colombia and in complementary beige and navy hues; the design elements here are minimal but unique too, contrasting brown leather handles for instance. If all else fails, you’ll see that adding a line of pretty pompoms to a rather basic beach tote makes it instantly on-trend, which is something you can easily D-I-Y too to give your old bag new life.

Header Image: Lovelypepa on Instagram, Soeurs.co, Stylenanda.com.

All The Beauty Launches You'll Covet This July

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People, we’re officially into Autumn/Winter ’17. Yes, we’re aware that doesn’t mean much in the context of Singapore, but the point we’re trying to make here is, 2017 is more than half over, and 2018’s whizzing closer and closer every day.
Yes, we’re also aware that we start almost all of these posts the same way. But it’s really crazy how the year is flying by, so all we can do is try to take a deep breath, try to savour each day, and comfort ourselves with these pretty new beauty buys, all launching in the month of July.

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L’Occitane Verbena range
We’re always down for a new citrus scent, and L’Occitane’s new limited edition rage is about keeping things fresh with notes of lemon, courtesy of the verbena herb sourced from France. The Verbena Body Ice Gel, Fresh Body Lotion and Frappé Body Cream all feel cooling on the skin as well, so keep these close on especially hot days.
$15.50 to $53, available at L’Occitane stores from 6 July 2017.
 

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Lancôme Énergie de Vie Exfoliating Mask
This green skincare line is Lancôme reaching out to fatigued Gen Y skin that’s in need of some re-energising. This mask gently exfoliates with lemon peel, jojoba pearls, and glycerol of vegetal origin, and moisturises the skin with active ingredients. Many of us are probably a little fatigued at this point of the year, so this comes at just the right time.
$85, available at Lancôme counters.
 
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Maybelline Color Sensational Powder Mattes
Maybelline’s calling this their “smoothest, most lightweight mattes yet”, but all we’re thinking about is, we don’t need a special reason to add more flattering mattes to our collection, especially when each one costs under $20. Compared to their existing matte colours, these are twice as matte and have four times the saturated powder pigments. Not drying in the least, however. See our July cover girl and Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5 winner Maureen Wroblewitz wearing our favourite shades in this shoot.
$19.90, available at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, major supermarkets and department stores.
 
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NARS Highlighting Bronzing Collection
Gosh, NARS and their palettes. 😍  This is a late summer launch that stars the Bord De Plage Palette, combining 4 opalescent highlighters and 2 gently light-diffusing bronzers. Three new shades of the Velvet Shadow Sticks join this launch, in a shimmering taupe, brown and nude pink, all eye colour necessities.
$45 to $90, available at the NARS store and counters. 
 
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YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres
The brand’s expanding this cult lip colour line by a whopping 16 shades, including, for the first time, Amplifiers that alter whatever lip colour it’s applied over. Read all about it, and see all the new shades, here.
$51, available at YSL Beauty stores and counters.
 
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M.A.C Chromat
Through this range, we found out about Chromat – a NYC fashion label that’s all about creating swimwear, sportswear and lingerie that looks like it belongs a few centuries in the future. That’s why this collaborative makeup collection looks like it comes back from the future as well, with plenty of vibrant hues encased in 3D-print packaging inspired by Chromat’s architectural designs.
$34 to $75, available at M.A.C ION, Ngee Ann City and TANGS at Tang Plaza from 6 July 2017.
 
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Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
Possibly the most exciting palette launch of 2017, and we’ve spent a long time obsessing over it. Just read all about it here, and start counting down to 13 July, if you didn’t already manage to score it during the sephora.sg flash sale last week.
$83, available at Sephora stores and sephora.sg from 13 July 2017, and Urban Decay stores from 20 July 2017. 
 
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belif Moisture Bomb Cushion – Matt Bullet
People really don’t talk about belif’s cushions enough. There’s reason to this month, with this new matte formula that uses the comfrey leaf to maintain moisture levels inside the skin, while keeping makeup oil-free on the surface. Basically, it’s as hydrating as the existing Moisture Bomb Cushion, but without the dewy finish (because honestly, we feel like that’s well on its way out of trend by now).
$49, available at belif stores and counters.
 
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Clé de Peau Beauté The Lipstick
A new lipstick never fails to make one feel better, and if 2017 has been rough so far, you need to treat yo’self: and there is no better treat than this luxurious lipstick, which boasts an S-shaped tip that promises to hug your lip contours like no other lipstick can.
$92, available at the Clé de Peau Beauté store and counters from 7 July 2017.
 
 

Top Beauty Picks From ASOS

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For those who only know ASOS as a site for picking up fast-fashion apparel, take a minute to hover and click on the Beauty section. Cue heart palpitations, because that beauty section is a true rabbit hole that sucks your soul in. For all the beauty brands that you can’t find in Singapore, ASOS is likely to stock it. We mean, they are actually a distributor for The Ordinary! For Model’s Own! For Sister & Co.! And that’s not even the best part — on top of the occasional discounts (we’re crossing our fingers for a 20% off everything this GSS), free international shipping to Singapore requires only a minimum spend of $20, and your beauty treats will reach you in two-three weeks, with tracking. We love you, ASOS. We truly do.
Unsure of what to pick? Here we have a couple of recommended brands to splurge that payday cash on:

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The Ordinary

We absolutely cannot get enough of skincare products by The Ordinary. All of their product formulas are scientifically-backed with ingredients that have been proven to work, and are engineered to be result-driven. So you can expect a fuss-free ingredient list — there will not be gimmicky additions to any of their products, which is what ensures the product works the best they can at lowest retail price possible. Seriously, you can get yourself a good bottle of Alpha Arbutin 20% for $15. Insanity.

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Anatomicals

Quirky packaging always gets us. British skincare brand Anatomicals focuses on skincare for the unmotivated folk, with vibrant, tongue-in-cheek packaging that will have even the laziest person reaching out for it. They have a whole selection of products, from hand wash to under-eye patches. Which have been very endearingly called “Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer”. Sold.

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Sister & Co.

Truth be told, everything that we’re eyeing on the Sister & Co. landing page on ASOS looks and sounds good enough to eat. The natural beauty brand does make use of organic coconut oil in many of their products. Only the finest and freshest of ingredients are used in their formulas, and many of them are sourced straight from Sri Lanka. We already have their Raw Coconut & Activated Charcoal Tooth Whitening Polish as well as their Almond Milk Bath Soak in our virtual carts.

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Model’s Own

If you cared to pop on Sephora’s landing page for Model’s Own — you’d realise that the selection that Singapore carries is pathetically small. Six products, four of which are OOS. Bummer. But fret not, because you can get your beauty fix on ASOS, where there are at least 80 products from the line that you can browse through. The eye and face palettes are their best buys, so if you absolutely have to pick something up from Model’s Own, go for the limited edition Celestial Enchanted Eye Palette, or the Sculpt and Glow Highlighter Palette.

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Ciate

Once again, another brand that doesn’t have justice done for it with the limited selection of items housed in Sephora. They may be known for their nail polishes, but there’s so much more to Ciate than just just that. ASOS offers the brand’s liquid velvet lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow palettes, as well as highlighters and bronzers.
Header Image: @asos_beauty

Samsung is Re-Launching the Galaxy Note 7

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Better known for being banned on airplanes than for taking selfies, the Galaxy Note 7 was, well, one of Samsung’s more “incendiary” products. And while it did pose a considerable public danger back in its day, the ill-fated handset is once again going back on sale from July 7 onwards, albeit only in South Korea.
Renamed as the Galaxy Note 7 Fan Edition, the infamous phone will be equipped with a brand new battery that’s smaller, and (hopefully) a lot safer than its predecessor. It’ll also incorporate components from previously recalled devices, as well as unused parts that Samsung has kept lying around in its inventory.
It may seem puzzling as to why the company would re-release a gadget that damaged its rep and caused it huge financial losses, but there’s just one reason, and that’s environmental friendliness.
According to the company, the refurbished Galaxy Note 7 phones are Samsung’s way of “saving the environment”, because simply dumping them would cause a humongous waste problem, which kind of makes sense. Liklier, it’s a way for the company to soften the financial blow from recalling the devices more than anything else.
There’s also the question as to why consumers would get an old phone for a slightly cheaper price, when the new Galaxy Note 8 (which already has rumours circulating around its design) will make its debut in a matter of weeks, while there are other great options in the market like the Galaxy S8.
That said; if you’re a huge fan of the Note 7, the phone will retail at around 700,000 Won (approximately SGD$841). All you need is a plane ticket to South Korea, and all your mobile phone dreams will be fulfilled.
For more information, visit www.samsung.com.
Cover image taken from DetroitBORG.

A Makeup Palette Phone Case Exists… And We're Not Sure How to Feel About It

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Whether you dip into the beauty pool occasionally or you call Sephora your second home, chances are, you’ve been duped into buying a few useless items in your lifetime. We’ve been there. After all, deflating the hype on silicone makeup sponges, holy grail eyeliners, and a bunch of other talked-about beauty items is what our team does best now, it seems.
In all fairness, it could’ve been its adorable packaging, the slashed price tag, a friend’s recommendation (the ultimate betrayal), or the mere fact that it belongs in Emma Watson’s beauty arsenal that made us surrender our cash without a second thought. Yup, we’re all guilty. This next buzzworthy item, though, is one that will undoubtedly appeal to our generation of millennials. Say hello to the Pout Case.


 
“Why the hell is a makeup palette sticking out of this phone case,” you ask? That’s because it’s the world’s first phone makeup case, literally. Thanks to UK brand Pout, your iPhone won’t just have a protector, it’ll also have a makeup palette you can slide out when you need to put your face on.

poutcase.com is live! #poutcase #launch #getyoursnow #poutitout

A post shared by Pout Case (@poutcase) on


 
Each palette features 3 trays to hold its foundation, lipstick, and lip balm, so they’re made for touchups when you only have seconds to spare. Not to mention, it’s incredibly convenient for those of us who feel burdened by carrying around three light beauty products. Seriously, why aren’t there tiny concealers, lipsticks, and lip balms on the market? And hey, the case even comes in shades of rose and gold, perfect for your basic aesthetic.
 
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Midday touchups may have just gotten a whole lot easier, but the first thing that popped into my mind was the heat our phones generate. Let’s not forget the detrimental effects radiation has on our health – what could it then do to the makeup that’s nestled within the phone case? What would happen to those makeup formulas when they’re met with rising temperatures? Waxes, butters, and oils are used to craft the formulations, so there’ll definitely be an apparent shift in texture after a couple hours of phone use. Also, this may be a personal gripe, but I absolutely detest applying makeup with my fingers, let alone using this palette in the middle of the day when bacteria levels are at an all time high. Yeah, too gross and unhygienic for me to even think about.
Another issue consumers are guaranteed to bring up is the lack of foundation shades. There are only four shades available at the moment. We get that you’re testing the waters here, but surely four is too narrow a selection. Who do you think you are, Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint? While I’m certainly steering clear of this product, I’m sure a ton of people have already made their pre-orders. After all, Pout has pretty much identified the two things modern folk are way too obsessed with: phones and makeup. That merge is bound to send its stock flying off virtual shelves when it finally becomes available.
Pout Case, £30 each. Available for pre-order on poutcase.com.
Main image: @poutcase

Translucent Setting Powders For All Budgets

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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a (single) woman in possession of a good beauty stash, must be in want of (yet another) translucent setting powder. In fact, men too, because gender is not a factor when it comes to setting your makeup to perfection. Take it from us, folks that wear layers of product on our faces daily — your liquid/cream foundation will only last and not slip around if it has something to cling on to. And that, my friend, is a translucent setting powder. Yes, that white powder that your favourite YouTubers always douse their faces in before applying blush and highlight. These powders, loose or pressed, will help mattify any excess shine (without fully eliminating the foundation’s natural glow). Basically, it “dries down” your base makeup, locking it into your skin.
The best setting powders are the kinds that are, as mentioned, one, translucent, two, mattifying (i.e. pore-filling), and three, do not leave white casts. This is especially important for folks who will be exposed to flash photography — you won’t want your face to have an unsightly streak of white in photos.
Ahead, some of our favourite translucent setting powders for all budgets:
Loose Powders

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e.l.f. High Definition Powder
$8.34, available on sg.iherb.com

Being on a shoestring budget doesn’t mean you get left out on the setting powder fun. Invest in a classic drugstore favourite and you’re set to well, set your makeup. The translucent version of e.l.f’s loose powder creates a blurring, soft-focus effect that masks fine lines and wrinkles for a radiant look. Lightly dust the powder all over with a fluffy powder brush for a silky finish.
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RMS Beauty “Un” Powder
$55, available on naturallybetterco.com.sg

This one came recommended by a colleague, who, sought the expert advice by her one true green beauty idol, Emma Watson. The “Un” Powder is ultra fine, ultra lightweight, and goes on “virtually invisible”. It minimises the appearance of pores, tones down any harsh foundation and concealer streaks and absorbs oil. The product is organic and talc, silicon, perfume and paraben-free.
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Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
$67, available at TANGS

No need for any further introduction; the legendary TLSP from Laura Mercier has won the hearts of many a beauty vlogger, blogger and junkie worldwide. The luxurious product is made with extremely finely-milled French “cashmere” talc that when applied, gives the skin a satin smooth finish. Plus, because of how incredibly fine the powder is, it makes for a beautiful powder to bake your under-eyes with, without leaving a white cast.
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Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder
$49, available at Sephora and sephora.sg

We’d like to think of KVD’s offering as more of a “heavy duty” setting powder; the kind that you’d want to use should you have on a thicker, more full-coverage foundation that requires an equally sturdy powder to fully mattify everything in place. This may be too hearty a loose powder for everyday use, but for important events, you can be sure that it’ll keep your game face looking 10/10 all night.
Pressed Powders
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Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent
$13.90, available at selected Watsons.

Hands down, one of the best translucent pressed powder in the market — mind you, this one has earned its stripes among brand-snobbish beauty gurus simply because it does what it promises. The translucent powder does go on very invisible; in fact, a finger swatch of it hardly reveals any colour. But dust it on with a powder brush and you’ll find it setting your makeup while smoothening any harsh edges. The versatile powder layers on well on different types of foundation, and won’t cake up or pill.
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Sephora Collection Smoothening & Brightening Powder
$26, available at Sephora and sephora.sg

If there’s anything we learnt from multiple trips to Sephora, its to not underestimate the store’s in-house label. Apart from having some of the most amazing matte lip creams, this translucent setting powder performs incredibly on the skin as well. Reviewers have commented that the powder goes on lovely, even on darker skin tones, and that it works well for both baking and makeup setting. And the price that you’re paying for it is truly unbeatable too.
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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Mirco Powder
£33.00, available on charlottetilbury.com and beautylish.com

A #treatyoself gift that you most likely won’t regret might just lie in the hands of Charlotte Tilbury; namely, her Airbrush Flawless Finish powder. The silky, butter-soft powder perfectly adapts to different skin tones, providing a flawless finish after each use. The product is very fine, hence it effectively fills in fine lines and wrinkles to smoothen your complexion out. There won’t be any caking, dusting, or exaggerated lines and pores — but instead, a blurred and brightened canvas that’s ready for the next step of makeup.
Header Image: @lauramercier IG

Nike’s Offering Free Yoga Classes if You’re Feeling Broke But Want to Get Fit

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Is that gym membership sucking your money dry? Yeah, we know how that feels. For something that’s good for you, getting fit can be crazy expensive, especially when it comes to those fancy pilates or zumba workout classes. But the good news is, living a healthy life doesn’t have to cost you a bomb at all.
With the exception of exercising at home, there are other ways to get fit without spending a single dollar, and one of them is through Nike’s new series of free yoga classes in the Nike Training Club app.
The app, which is free to download, includes a medley of expert yoga videos that are designed for you to find your inner yogi, anywhere, at anytime. Here’s a preview of what you can expect from the app:


Designed by Nike Master Trainers and yogis, Branden Collinsworth, Traci Copeland, and Leah Kim, these workouts are tailor-made to fit into any fitness regime, whether you’re focused on building stamina, strength, or increasing your mobility. Videos are also kept snappy, with durations ranging from 15 to 45 minutes long.
“These new workouts are really powerful because they offer the chance to practice no matter what your goal is or where you are on your yoga journey,” says Kim. “With the varying workout focus areas, lengths and poses, there is something for everyone – from the beginner yogi looking to improve their practice to those who are more advanced.”
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Right now, there are four new workouts available on the Nike Training Club app. If you’re done with that, you can look forward to another 10 videos that will drop somewhere between July and September later this year.
For more information, visit www.nike.com/sg.
All images taken from Nike.

Here's How The Oppo R11 Will Up Your Phone Photography Game

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#IWokeUpLikeThis. That’s what we’re told to believe, even with a curated “selfie” of someone lounging in bed with a coffee cup and a head of artfully arranged hair. As daily #flatlay experts though, we’ll have you know that it takes a lot of effort for that one impression — unless you’re armed with the right tool. In this case, the OPPO R11, with its always-reliable camera, makes on-the-go photos a total breeze.
In this fashion spread, you’ll find that all the shots of MTV VJ Hanli Hoefer are taken with the impressive camera set-up of OPPO’s latest flagship phone model, which boasts a 20 Megapixel-quality for both the front and rear-facing camera, as well as a dual lens on the back of the phone for a natural bokeh effect, especially when you hit ‘portrait’ mode. Here, we show off the best features of the phone, so you should be very, very tempted to pick it up the next time you’re out shooting your #ootd. We’re #blessed alright.

OPPO R11, $699, available at oppostore.com.sg.

 
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Anything but a white wall! A tiled one makes a far more interesting choice for your #faceoftheday,
especially when your front-facing camera makes you look this good.

blouse, by weekend by max mara; jeans, by diesel; hat and flats, hanli’s own.

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Hit “Beauty” mode so you’ll look flawless even when doing the most unglamorous thing in the world — eating ice-cream. Forget the mess, you just need to show your palm to the lens in order to activate the camera’s self-timer.

sweater; bag; and clogs, all by coach; skirt by max mara; headband, stylist’s own.

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Stop, drop and yoga! You’ll be a total #fitspo babe in no time… Even if you’ve got to balance your camera
far away for this fitness pose, you can rely on the 2x zoom that offers little loss in quality.

jumpsuit, by diesel.


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As you can tell, cropping makes any picture a whole lot better. Work that smile then, because “Portrait”
mode allows you to toggle the depth effect, so your #ootd stands out against any drab background.

dress; by tsumori chisato; necklace, by red valentino; heels, by jimmy choo; and hat, stylist’s own.

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Stay #lit all the time — even making backlit environments work in your favour — with the ‘Fill Light’
function that looks more natural than a flash. The ‘Expert’ mode also allows you
to up your White Balance, Exposure and ISO settings, for a more flattering selfie.

outfit and bag, all by chanel.

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Just being totally casual here! Make action shots work by adjusting your shutter speed on ‘Expert’,
while knowing that the OPPO phone is incredibly thin and lightweight, great for the girl on the go.

outfit and boots, all by red valentino.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Adele Chan
STYLING
Josiah Chua
ASSISTED BY
Phyllis Guo
MAKEUP AND HAIR
Grego Oh
MODEL
Hanli Hoefer

6 Refreshing Makeup Looks to Stay Ahead of the Trends

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So you’ve got your outfit sorted for that party you’re going to, but your makeup is looking decidedly… meh. We feel you. Since we adhere to a specific monochromatic smokey eye and a dark vampy lip way too often, it may be time to hit the refresh button. Well, who else better to show us than Marc Jacobs Beauty‘s global artists, Gilbert Soliz and Yvonne Macinnis. Here are six looks we’ve created together with them and the products you can use to recreate each look.

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Gilbert layers the Lip Lacquer to show us how a strong lip can still be sweet and feminine.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator in Spotlight 700, $64.
2. Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in Cherry Moon 352, $42.
3. Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in Love Buzz 324, $42.
4. Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in Ivory Medium 14, $75.

On Katy:
Earrings by Tiffany HardWear by Tiffany & Co.; and dress by Bottega Veneta.

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With good base makeup, Gilbert achieves a very healthy looking “nude” face.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Remedy Concealer Pen in Rendezvous 1, $52.
2. New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in Moody Margot 106, $44.
3. Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in Ivory Medium 14, $75.
4. Brow Tamer Grooming Gel in Invisible 30, $38.

On Katy:
Top (worn inside) by 3.1 Phillip Lim; and draped top by Issey Miyake.

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Gilbert chooses a single pop of colour to dramatic effect.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Mari(gold) 70, $38.
2. Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator in Spotlight 700, $64.
3. New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick In the Mood 152, $44.

On Katy:
Earrings by Tory Burch; and top by Proenza Schouler.

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Yvonne fakes a tan on Mira with a stunning golden glow all over.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Eyeshadow in The Starlet 204, $90.
2. Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate in Ivory Medium 14, $86.
3. New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in In the Mood 152, $44.
4. Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara in Black, $44.
5. (P)outliner Longwear Lip Pencil in (Nude)ist 300, $34.
6. Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Sunset 74, $38.
7. Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in (Brown)ie 43, $38.
8. O!mega Bronze Perfect Tan in Tantric 102, $69.

On Mira:
Blouse by Monse at net-a-porter.com; and earrings by Tiffany HardWear by Tiffany & Co..

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For this look, Yvonne applies an unexpected combination of silver and pastel pink shades.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in Ivory Medium 14, $75.
2. Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, $32.
3. Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in (Stone)fox 58, $38.
4. Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara in Black, $44.
5. Le Marc Lip Creme in Georgie Girl 214, $42.
6. Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in Rio 354, $42.
7. Eye-conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Smatorial, $69 (launching 17 Aug 2017)
8. Air Blush Soft Glow Duo in Lush & Libido 500, $68.

On Mira:
Necklace, bracelet and ring, all by Tiffany HardWear by Tiffany & Co.; and embellished top by Chanel.

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Yvonne breaks away from a usual smokey look and creates a “dirty eye” in a striking metallic hue.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
1. Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara in Black, $44.
2. Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in Pretty Thing 318, $42.
3. Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Navy Noir 76, $38.
4. Perfection Powder Featherweight Foundation in Finish Line 100, $75.
5. Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in Over(night) 61, $38.
6. (P)outliner Longwear Lip Pencil in (Nude)ist 300, $34.
7. Re(cover) Perfecting Coconut Setting Mist, $62.
8. Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate in Ivory Medium 14, $86.

On Mira:
Earrings by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci; and top by Alexander Wang at net-a-porter.com.

Photography
Adele Chan
Makeup
Gilbert Soliz +
Yvonne Macinnis
using
Marc Jacobs Beauty
Hair
Selda Cortes
Styling
Josiah Chua
Modelled by
Mira Lenko
At VNV Models &
Katy O’Kane
Ay W360 Management
Shot on location at
Arlo Nomad, 11 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016, USA
arlohotels.com

Give Me Oil On My Face

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shu uemura celebrates the 50th anniversary of its iconic cleansing oil! NYLON Singapore’s Editor-In-Chief, and Singapore’s self-declared number-one fan of the product, has this to say….
By Adele Chan

Just recently, someone left a video on my Facebook wall showing a woman in distress because her husband was trapped under a huge boulder. She kept praying to God to grant her just one wish, and then God came down from the clouds and asked her what she wanted as her one wish. She looked at her dying husband, then said…”I want the skin of a 16-year-old!”. Here’s my true story: I actually don’t want my skin when I was 16! It was terrible! I had constant breakouts (evident in my embarrassing yearbook photo) and now that I think back to those days, my skin was imbalanced! Oily on the outside, dehydrated on the inside — the worst kind of skin combination to have. Then a few years later while studying in Sydney, I saw a bottle of shu uemura’s cleansing oil in a multi-label lifestyle store along Oxford Street in Paddington, and bought it because I just liked how the bottle looked. It was a clear plastic bottle with a pump, with a yellow liquid inside; not unlike what the current bottle looks like. I bought it purely based on its looks, but was pleasantly surprised that I loved its strange texture. An oil texture can be confusing for some — I keep getting asked how my face doesn’t feel oily while washing with oil. It’s all about the correct way to use it, and to be honest, it is something to get used to, especially after years of washing the face with foam. 

Today I can proudly say that I am possibly Singapore’s biggest fan of shu uemura’s cleansing oil; it’s such an important skincare for me, that I must have a few extra bottles on standby just in case I finish the one I’m using. It’s the first thing I use in the morning, and the first of my skincare steps at night. And it’s the one skincare product that has been consistent in my beauty routine for 20 years…and so I attribute my good skin to this one golden liquid. 

 

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Why shu uemura?

It’s the original deal. Mr. Shu Uemura was the first to put oil in a bottle and sell it 50 years ago, after witnessing how actresses so effortlessly removed heavy stage makeup with oil. In the decades since, so many brands have come up with their own versions of it, but Mr. Shu Uemura was ahead of his time with this innovation, and the original formula, together with modern advancements in skincare technology have resulted in improved versions of this famous oil — there are now six variants to choose from based on your skin type and needs. I’m fortunate enough to be able to use all six of them with no worries, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be the original “yellow” bottle, which is now called High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula. It smells divine; I feel so happy every time I wash my face with it.

50 years on…

When the shu uemura brand team in Singapore approached me to champion their campaign for the cleansing oil’s 50th anniversary, I jumped at it. The iconic cleansing oil is something that I don’t need to be paid to talk about. I love it so much that it keeps appearing in many of my beauty articles (just ask the NYLON team!). And in fact, I hardly feature myself in ads (shy la!), but this is one product I’m truly proud to say that I do use, and it has given me the best skin of my life. I wanted this whole campaign to be authentic — to feature girls who really do use the cleansing oil, and who love it. So based on some of my previous work for the Editing Beauty book, I approached a few friends who I know actually do use the product and here they are featured alongside me proudly brandishing the different versions of the cleansing oil.

Photography by Adele Chan.
Styling by Josiah Chua.
Makeup by Ginger Lynette.
Hair by James Chiun from Leekaja Beauty Salon.
Backdrops by Joanne Cheah. 

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Adele Chan, Editor-In-Chief of NYLON SINGAPORE and Author of Editing Beauty

This one single skincare product has given me the best skin of my life! I’m turning 40 in January next year, but I’ve had more compliments on my skin now than when I was a teenager. And it has to be because of this cleansing oil — it’s the one item that has been consistent in my beauty regime for the last 20 years.

On Adele: Top by COS; necklace by Tiffany HardWear by Tiffany & Co.; watch by Hermès; and jacket by YSL (vintage).

 

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Rosalyn Lee, Radio Presenter at LUSH 99.5FM, Host, and Actress.

Sometimes Rozz goes to bed without taking her makeup off. I totally gave her judgey eyes when she told me this. And she says there are days she just cleanses her face of makeup and then goes to bed — no moisturiser or other skincare applied. Her argument: “At least I wash my face with shu uemura cleansing oil! It makes up for it!” Rozz tells me that she used her first cleansing oil from shu uemura at the age of 16, and though she didn’t know the science behind the product, she liked how it just worked for her skin. For years she favoured the pink bottle — POREfinist anti-shine fresh cleansing oil — because of how light the texture was; then she tried the “ green” Anti/Oxi+ pollutant & dullness clarifying cleansing oil and switched to it because “it digs deep”. She says her skin feels cleansed and moisturised. 

On Rozz: Top by In Good Company; and denim jacket by Diesel.

 

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Melissa Celestine Koh, Fashion and Travel Blogger.

Many years ago, the shu uemura team in Singapore approached Melissa to collaborate on a project, and it was then that they introduced the brand’s famous cleansing oil to her. She had dry skin and so needed a cleanser that didn’t strip the skin of moisture. This “green” version was perfect for her because of its silkier, richer texture; it has kept Melissa’s skin clean, healthy and glowing for years. She says that she likes it because it’s not harsh and is effective in cleansing away makeup, especially on days when she does a photoshoot where she has a lot of makeup on.

On Melissa: Scarf by Hermès; and dress by Roksanda at net-a-porter.com.

 

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Liv Lo, Host and Actress.

Liv leads a very healthy life. She does yoga — no, scratch that — she teaches yoga, she eats fruits on yoghurt early in the morning, and she does these amazing handstands (it’s all up on her Instagram!). I haven’t seen Liv in over a year, and this past week when I did, she was glowing. It’s the glow of happiness (she’s newly-wed!) and the glow of good skin. Yes, Liv also uses the shu uemura cleansing oil. She says her girl friend introduced it to her around 10 years ago when she first started wearing makeup and didn’t know how to take it off properly. It’s now 10 years later and she’s still washing her face with the stuff.

On Liv: Scarf by Hermès; and top by In Good Company.

 

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Munah Bagharib, Actress and Host.

A couple of years ago, Munah received a bottle of this cleansing oil from a friend and as she says, “used it, liked it!”. What she particularly likes about the product is that it’s convenient — she can have a full day of makeup on, and it all comes off with this cleanser. Munah also has sensitive skin and the oil’s light texture works for her. She has “no weird reactions”. Trust Munah to find such a nice way to put it.

On Munah: Scarf (worn as headband); and cuff, both by Hermès; and dress by Tibi at theoutnet.com.

 

How to use?

shu uemura steps

After washing the face with the cleansing oil, everything comes right off and skin doesn’t feel oily at all! In fact, it feels soft and smooth. Soon, you’ll be addicted to how lovely the skin feels after each wash.

 

shu uemura cleansing oils are priced from $50 (for the 150ml bottle) and are available at all shu uemura counters and boutiques, as well as tangs.com and sephora.sg.

Head to the shu uemura website to redeem your complimentary 3-day cleansing oil sampling kit!

 

NYLON SINGAPORE wishes shu uemura a happy 50th anniversary for the cleansing oil! 🎈

Join Us At The Kiehl's x NYLON Nature's Playground Party

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A couple weeks back, we told you about how Kiehl’s is opening a beauty playground!!!
Yup, it opens today at the B4 level of ION Orchard, and we’re so stoked to head there and do super-fun, super-Instagrammable stuff like go on the Calendula Swing and go down the Vitamin C Boosting Slide.
But here’s where we want to make things a little more special. Next Friday, 7 July, we’re opening up a special session for NYLON readers at the Kiehl’s Nature Playground! Our Editor-in-Chief Adele Chan will be sharing a little on her skincare regime and her personal Kiehl’s favourites; we’ll also be joined by local personalities Aimee Cheng-Bradshaw and Jemma Wei, who will also be telling us more about the Kiehl’s stuff they love, and be there to hang with all the guests!
Everyone at the party will also be going home with an exclusive 3-piece Kiehl’s travel set – perfect for packing along for trips, really – and a copy of the Editing Beauty book, worth $49.90. There’s all the stuff you can score while at the event too: free skincare samples at every station of the playground, and more travel-sized products when you collect enough samples!
Here are the event details:

Kiehl’s x NYLON Nature’s Playground Party
Friday, 7 July 2017
7–9pm
ION Orchard B4 Station

We only have 50 pairs of invites to give away, so stand a chance to score invitations for yourself and a plus one by filling up the form below by Wednesday 5 July 2017, 6pm.

 

Maureen Wroblewitz's Looking Pretty Fine In Maybelline

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Yes, Asia’s Next Top Model’s Cycle 5 winner Maureen Wroblewitz had that whole “just a pretty face” thing going on; but what’s wrong with a “pretty face”? This face won her the Maybelline challenge during episode 3 after all, and if these images are anything to go by, it’s a pretty face that’s doing a real good job at making this makeup relatable – and isn’t that the whole point?

find the right fit
maybelline
In this climate, a foundation that fits right usually means a natural, softly matte finish. The Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation has that, plus our favourite foundation characteristic: porelessness. About time to stow those blotting papers away.

FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation, $19.90
FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick, $18.90
FaceStudio Master Strobing Cream, $18.90
V-Face Contour Duo Powder, $21.90
Color Sensational Powder Mattes Lipstick in Nude Illusion, $19.90

dress by issey miyake.

mouthing off

maybelline2
Here’s an alternative to the (rather tired) gradient lip: get matte lipsticks in bright pink and red, and wear them in a light-to-dark or dark-to-light gradation. The shades from the Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick range, with their intense powdery pigments, will definitely stand out.
FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
Color Sensational Powder Mattes Lipstick in Get Red-dy, $19.90
Color Sensational Powder Mattes Lipstick in Pink Potion, $19.90

dress by dolce and gabbana.

draw the line
 maybelline3

If you’ve decided it’s time to have a little bit more fun with your eyeliner, we applaud you. Go forth! This will take one with an ultra-thin yet firm tip though, for optimal control – like the Eyestudio Hypersharp Laser 0.01mm Liner. Define the trickier edges with some clever use of concealer.
FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
Eyestudio Hypersharp Laser 0.01mm Liner in Black, $19.90 (*new price starting from 1 July 2017, down from $21.90!)
Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser Treatment Concealer, $19.90
Push Up Drama Angel Mascara, $21.90

embellished hoodie by dolce and gabbana; rings and earring by chanel fine jewellery.

finish strong

maybelline4

Everyone deserves a set of statement-making brows, even if it takes faking them. The Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer Mascara has a gel formula infused with fibres, to be applied with a precise tapered brush, to add volume where there might not be in reality.
FOR THIS LOOK, TRY:
Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer, $17.90
Fashion Brow Ultra Fluffy, $13.90
Color Sensational Eyeshadow in Tourmaline Purple, $21.90

dress by loewe; jacket by moschino.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Adele Chan
STYLING
Josiah Chua
ASSISTED BY
Chelsea Tang
MAKEUP
Ginger Lynette using Maybelline
HAIR
James Chiun at Leekaja Beauty Salon
SHOT ON LOCATION AT
Hotel Mono at 18 Mosque Street, Singapore 059498

OFRA's Island Time Collection is Tempting Us to Go On a Holiday

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So far, we’ve been loving all the summer-themed beauty launches that came our way, including M.A.C’s Fruity Juicy collection and Kylie Jenner’s Vacation Edition collection, that helped us prep for that short little getaway we managed to get leave days for. And when more summer beauty collections come through, we won’t say no. Ofra will be dropping their Island Time collection soon and as the name suggests, is all about sipping on tropical cocktails and basking in the glorious sun (read: sweltering heat).


The collection consists of a trio of lipsticks, with two coming from the existing Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks range – Rio and Cocos Island. Rio is a peachy nude with warm undertones while Cocos Island is a vibrant pink coral hue, both of which finish off matte. Aruba will be the latest addition to the line, and it’s a rosy-peach colour with a metallic finish that can be layered on top of the Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks or applied on its own.


Three new Baked Pressed Blushes are also included in the Island Time collection and are housed in a brand new magnetic compact. The pigmented pressed blushes are specially formulated with a liquid-baked technology that makes them soft and easy to blend. Named after summertime cocktails, the shades are called Bellini, Mai Tai and Punch. Bellini is a light rose shade with a peachy undertone; Mai Tai is a flattering orange shade; and Punch, a flushed reddish coral.



With the sun shining so bright, it’s the perfect opportunity to put some glow on and spam our cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, nose bridge and everywhere we can think of, with highlights. Named after our favourite summer getaway destination, Bali, Ofra’s brand new highlighter is a shimmery golden highlight with a peachy undertone that’s sure to catch all that sunlight.


Rosy coral blushes – check. Peachy nude matte lipsticks – check. Blinding golden highlighter -check. Well, we’re basically all set and ready to go for our tropical vacation!
Island Time Collection, US$19.90 – US$35, available on 2 July 2017, 1pm EST (3 July 2017, 1am Singapore time) at ofracosmetics.com.
Header image: @ofracosmetics

Subaru's Two Latest Car Models Are Perfect For Road Tripping

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Some cars are only meant to transport you from point A to B. Others however have the ability to make you feel like a rock star, whether it’s through a solid engine with loads of horsepower or a luxury design that screams, “I’ve made it”.
Trouble is, they don’t come cheap, even if you’re looking for one that’s purely functional and not flashy (hey, this is Singapore after all; COE can be a real pain in the butt).
Thankfully, not all hope is lost. There are certain brands with cars that come under the category of “value-for-money”, one of which is Subaru, a company known for its use of the boxer engine.
Here, we’ve listed two of our new favourite models from the Japanese automobile maker and why getting them won’t make you feel like you’re losing an arm or a leg.
Subaru XV Crossover – For Road Trippers
Want a car that delivers in all situations?
Well then, the brand new Subaru XV Crossover will be right up your alley. Subaru’s brand new suburban vehicle is the second-generation version of the widely popular model that was released way back in 2012, and what the Japanese automobile maker did was to take that same recipe and improve upon it. Why change something that already works, right?

Subaru XV 1.6i-S - Front (Sunshine Orange)

For the All-New XV Crossover, drivers can look forward to a medley of performance enhancing features, one of which is the addition of the Subaru Global Platform frame structure, which means that this slick All-Wheel Drive has a lower centre of gravity for lesser shake, while it also comes with what is called X-MODE, which boosts driving performance on rough-and-tumble terrains.
All this makes it the ideal vehicle for road trips to Malaysia, and if you’re brave, even Thailand! It also doesn’t matter if you’re a city cruiser or an outdoor adventurer. The XV Crossover will serve your every need. Add to the mix a slick exterior design with gorgeous colours, plus neat additions like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s a real winner.
Subaru XV Crossover, price TBA, available from August 2017 onwards at the following Subaru showrooms: 25 Leng Kee Road and 19 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh.
Subaru Impreza – For City Slickers
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Obviously that phrase doesn’t apply to the new Subaru Impreza. Subaru’s fifth-generation model of the classic vehicle is back in business once again, reloaded with a host of awesome new features and functions for the modern urban driver.
Like the XV Crossover, one of the main new components is the built-in Subaru Global Platform frame structure, which offers a lower centre of gravity for lesser shake and body roll. In other words, there’s a whole lot more balance when driving. It is this exact structure that will serve as a blueprint for future Subaru models.
Impreza 1.6i-S 4-Door (Front)

Of course, that isn’t the only exciting addition. Motor freaks will be pleased to know that the Impreza’s engine comes in two solid options: one, a 1.6L port injection engine that produces 85.1 kilowatts at 5600rpm; and two, a 2L direct injection engine that produces 114.2 kilowatts at 6000rpm.
Still, this is more of a family car, and for good reason. Safety-wise, the Subaru Impreza is up there with the best, having been highly rated by organisations such as the NCAP and IIHS. In terms of aesthetics however, the Impreza plays it a little too safe for our liking. That’s just us nitpicking though; it is a very adept car at the end of the day, and one that’s perfect for young city-dwelling families who have to commute through Singapore’s busy streets on a daily basis.
Subaru Impreza, $103,800 (1.6L engine); $119,800 (2L engine), available now at the following Subaru showrooms: 25 Leng Kee Road and 19 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh.
For more information, visit www.subaru.asia/sg.
All images taken from Subaru.